Hu Vase with lid

Description

This elegant hu 壺 vase has a classic shape and a deep grey colour. Fitted with a lid, it has decorative circular handles on either side of its body, each of which is moulded and topped by a beautiful taotie mask. The taotie 饕餮 is a very common ornamental motif in the archaic Chinese ornamental repertoire presenting the features of a fantastic animal mask. During the Han dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) hu vessels in both bronze and terracotta were emblematic of the production of the time, they were used to preserve fermented drinks and other liquids.

Condition report:

This vase is in a very good condition with only a few concretions of sand and small nicks.